> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.bitbybit.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Create and Activate Away Message

> Set up and activate an away message in bitChat to reply automatically when customers message outside business hours

Manage customer expectations by setting up an Away Message in bitChat, automatically informing contacts when you’re unavailable. This feature is crucial for maintaining good communication outside of business hours. Here’s how to configure it for seamless support.

## **Step 1: Create a Agent**

* Before you can set up an Away Message, you need to create a agent flow. Follow the steps in [How to Create A Agent Flow](https://knowledge.bitbybit.studio/bitchat/how-to-create-a-chatbot-flow) to get started.

## **Step 2: Configure the Away Action**

* Once your agent has been created, go to the [bitChat Agent](https://app.bitbybit.studio/bitchat/flows?channel=whatsapp) dashboard.
* Click on the Away action card.

![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/659655f5b20d395a5c69efcf/67120300ba52cce9ef5037dc_AD_4nXc4kYHlyQkIhETBld1e6_6RIldwqfUWfVuF6jH8zQ3y356i1h_CIZoN94i394amnVUY5K8Y5RerVn6T1vRYWByE18cwcTo_wz0ac_OiMkf0KBLQ97XMZqbCwaAI9jMuTu19Sv0wIC3f_XeVCK3y04asOY_O.png)

Click "Away action" card

## Step 3: Assign Flow

* Click the dropdown, and select the flow for away action. You can choose between a agent flow or "Assign to AI Agent”. To activate AI Agent to suits your brand's persona, see [How to Create and Set Up Your AI Agent Persona.](https://knowledge.bitbybit.studio/bitchat/how-to-create-and-set-up-your-ai-agent-persona#how-to-create-and-set-up-your-ai-agent-persona)
* “Set ticket category”, see [How to Create a Ticket Category](https://knowledge.bitbybit.studio/bitchat/how-to-create-a-ticket-category#how-to-create-a-ticket-category).

![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/659655f5b20d395a5c69efcf/6712030012e4880a931bcc88_AD_4nXdV2vK3-luDVWFiP2XPb-Ymwjex5IUu51ec4PJmoc3N00_mfEs5HBe6N1p3fpfXww8X9HuWod8R30zQWhhS9OAzZ236eNu87QpCFN2emPjeOLXZEWVuvVaQYBOUA7XrkFW7lJe8ky-ebEFN59Kcd8ElBPxg.png)

Assign the “AI Agent” and select “Set ticket category”

## Step 4: Add Customer Tags and Save

* Optionally, you can also “Add customer tags” to categorize contacts. Then, click “Save”.

![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/659655f5b20d395a5c69efcf/67120300479a4609e6b6e181_AD_4nXf0LlhsndvnJZkHt2rbZVGVazOsnLkLjZgmeigospHk7VM5gtQgGb0ct_z7d5ES7AiH96WgDyhKH-QcaHh9HA5pE9eqJhuztRqjTpkFeReLBgz7Zb6dS1jJlRCZeJkfupcYDPDvzC2mSjh1XEQJTJwiAWW8.png)

You can click “Add customer tags” and click “Save”‍

**Note:** The Away Message will be triggered when your contacts send messages outside your operational hours.